Event highlights
Balkon – Orhan Pamuk exhibition, displaying 600 photographs taken by the Noble Prize winning novelist, is taking place at Yapı Kredi Cultural and Art Center until April 27.
April 30 is International Jazz Day. Garanti Caz Yeşili holds five concert at five different venues: The Michael Leonhart Orchestra at Babylon, Yotam Silberstein at The Badau, Kerem Görsev Trio Feat. Elif Çağlar at Moda Sahnesi, Declan Forde Trio Feat. Cansu Tanrıkulu at Nardis Jazz Club, and Yussef Dayes at Salon İKSV. On the same day, Sainte Pulchérie will hold concert of pianist Emin Fındıkoğlu along with vocalist Melisa King and Zeynep Kuyumcu.
The Wings for Life World Run, a global charity running event will take place in 12 cities all over the world on May 5 and Istanbul is one of them. All entry fees and all donations raised through fundraising campaigns go directly to life-changing spinal cord research projects and clinical trials. For more info and register:www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/tr
Featuring local and international photographers, 212 Photography Festival will take place from May 3-12 at Yapı Kredi bomontiada. The event combines exhibitions, a competition, and portfolio reviews. In its second edition, the festival presents work by Charles Fréger and many more photographers and artists.
Turkish sculptor Mehmet Aksoy‘s solo exhibition is taking place at MSGSÜ Tophane-i Âmire Culture and Arts Center. Visit before May 15.
Works by photographer Bruno Barbey can be seen at Lecia Gallery Istanbul at Bomontiada. The exhibition continues until May 25.
Visit SALT Galata’s exhibition Mihri: A Migrant Painter of Modern Times before June 9. The portrait painter Mihri (1885-1954) established herself as a prominent figure by advocating the foundation of the Academy of Fine Arts for Women in the Ottoman Empire.
For more events, check out some of Istanbul’s main arts and cultural venues:
- Exhibitions: Istanbul Modern, Pera Museum, SALT, Akbank Sanat, Yapı Kredi Cultural and Art Center
- Film screenings: Thursday Cinema at SALT Beyoğlu, Pera Film, Kundura Cinema
- Concerts and live performances: Babylon, Salon İKSV, Zorlu PSM
City news
As every year, the Istanbul Tulip Festival will be held throughout April, gracing the city with colorful blooms. Expect millions of bright flowers in Sultanahmet, Gülhane, Emirgan, and other green spaces and squares across Istanbul, as well as millions of tulip-themed photos on Instagram.
A new venue for leisure and entertainment, House of Fuzuli recently opened in Bebeköy, next to Backyard restaurant. Featuring a central lounge area with warm color décor, this intimate venue is a café in the daytime and becomes a cocktail bar at night. Enjoy live music on Thursday nights and DJ sets of funk disco and alternative pop on Fridays and Saturdays. Bebeköy Sokak No.4, Etiler; T: 0534 278 53 52
Also known as Theodosius Cistern named after the Emperor Theodosius II, Şerefiye Cistern recently opened to visitors after a restoration. Entrance to the 1,600-year-old cistern can be accessed on Piyer Loti Caddesi. The structure includes a small area for exhibitions and concerts. Open between 9am and 6:30pm. Free entrance. Piyer Loti Caddesi No.25, Fatih
Hosting its first guests on Zorlu PSM Jazz Festival last year, Zorlu PSM’s new club Touché opened to the public and will host a new selection of menu and events each week. Guests will find a rich event schedule ranging from stand-up comedy performances to local and international jazz bands. For events and updates, follow Zorlu PSM’s social media accounts. Tickets are available from Biletix.
Food and drinks
Wine expert Levon Bağış and chef Burçak Ersen will together present a delightful night of delicious food and gastronomy conversations on April 25 at 8pm at Alta Nişantaşı.
Minval Artisanal Food Creation provides artisanal chocolate workshops on April 25, sharing the knowledge and technique of the chocolate making process.
The Art of Dim Sum presents by guest chef Tony takes places at Shang Palace, Shangri-La Bosphorus from April 10-28.
The spring menu of Firuze focuses on the use of Aegean herbs in the spring season. Enjoy mezze with a modern twist and the sunset view from Nejat Eczacıbaşı building.
ISOKYO, the Pan Asian cuisine restaurant at Raffles Istanbul, presents the Isokyo Unlimited menu every Saturday between 1-5pm, bringing together 27 special dishes and tea from the Far East accompanied by live DJ performance.
Glens Istanbul present Felicita Happy Hours every Wednesday from 5-8pm. At the price of 110TL, you can enjoy the Italian cuisine open buffet and a glass of cocktail or wine.
Click here to see the new restaurant and bar openings.
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